Family Pension: Lt Col and Equivalent RanksWidows of Lt Cols and their equivalent ranks had been drawing a monthly pension of Rs 15,420.00 after implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission and after the Lt Cols were upgraded to Pay Band 4. This had been correctly worked out based on 30% of the sum of the minimum of pay band (Rs 37,400) + Grade Pay (Rs 8000) + Military Service Pay (Rs 6000). Widows have accordingly been getting their pension and have also received the arrears. However, an assumed error has now been introduced in the pension tables issued by the Ministry of Defence vide their circular dated 15.11.2010. According to these tables, the family pension of a Lt Col is fixed at Rs 8,760.00. It seems the Lt Col and equivalents have again been brought down to Pay Band 3 by those that prepared these tables. The figure of Rs 8,760.00 as monthly family pension of Lt Col is beyond comprehension and this has caused avoidable consternation in the Ex Servicemen community, who are already edgy at their still pending demand of ‘one rank one pension’. I do sincerely hope this is only an error. May I request you to have it kindly rectified at the earliest. A confirmation will be much appreciated. With best regards,Yours sincerely,Raj Kadyan